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Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:46 am

I'm in the process of scanning my nine albums of pre digital warbird photos and came across this one from OSH 89.
Does any one remember whose it was and know where it is today? TIA
ImageScan0036 by Bryan Darnell, on Flickr

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Sun Sep 03, 2017 1:55 pm

I found the answers-
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDos ... Serial=245

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Sun Sep 03, 2017 9:08 pm

Anyone know if it's still airworthy?

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:37 pm

JohnB wrote:Anyone know if it's still airworthy?


This former Army UH-19D Chickasaw in the markings of a former USAF UH-19B, is NOT airworthy. I am not sure of the last time it may have flown, but it has been strictly a static display in the main hangar of the Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum for MANY years. This particular helicopter was apparently modified at one time as a civilian flying RV, but not sure if it was ever used as such.

It appears to be in reasonably good shape, and probably could be made airworthy with enough money and technical expertise brought to bear.

I work as a volunteer tour guide at the museum, and there are no plans currently that I am aware of to return this Sikorsky S-55/H-19 to flying status, although I would love to see one of these flying again.

In addition to several flying aircraft currently residing at the museum (most aircraft are strictly static), THREE aircraft at the museum are currently in varying stages of being restored to airworthy flying status: a TBM Avenger, an S-2/S2F Tracker and a UH-1D Huey.

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 12:25 pm

Jim,

Since you volunteer there, perhaps you could do me the favor of crawling into the aft fuselage and photographing the modification data plate riveted inside just forward of where the tail boom attaches. This one has many signs of actually being a former Navy HO4S - the straight tail boom, the two-piece front windscreen, and the two small windows above the pilot seats.

I have documentation from Fred Clark that this one passed through his Orlando Helicopter Airways at least three times. The first time it went to customer Avag, Inc. in California's Central Valley, date unknown. (An Air & Space article confirms this went to Avag owner, Jerry Compton, as a Winnebago Helicamper). The second time it went to Gene Powers in January 1980 and in February 1982 to Rochfort.

Fred didn't mind mixing and matching parts and data plates on these so, sometimes the only way to know the true identity is via the modification plate. As the parts were readily interchangeable, this could certainly be a former Army H-19D, it's just curious it has the Navy features.

If you need pictures of where the modification plate is located, PM me or post an email and I'll send them to you.

Thanks!

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:51 pm

Craig59 wrote:Jim,

Since you volunteer there, perhaps you could do me the favor of crawling into the aft fuselage and photographing the modification data plate riveted inside just forward of where the tail boom attaches. This one has many signs of actually being a former Navy HO4S - the straight tail boom, the two-piece front windscreen, and the two small windows above the pilot seats.

I have documentation from Fred Clark that this one passed through his Orlando Helicopter Airways at least three times. The first time it went to customer Avag, Inc. in California's Central Valley, date unknown. (An Air & Space article confirms this went to Avag owner, Jerry Compton, as a Winnebago Helicamper). The second time it went to Gene Powers in January 1980 and in February 1982 to Rochfort.

Fred didn't mind mixing and matching parts and data plates on these so, sometimes the only way to know the true identity is via the modification plate. As the parts were readily interchangeable, this could certainly be a former Army H-19D, it's just curious it has the Navy features.

If you need pictures of where the modification plate is located, PM me or post an email and I'll send them to you.

Thanks!


Craig,

I don't normally have access to the interior of this one, but I will talk to someone there about the possibility of getting the information you need.

- Jim

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:50 pm

I wonder if it's the one seen in an episode of Airwolf?
IIRC, and it's been a long time, I thought the H-19 had similar Windows to the helicamper.

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 4:33 pm

JohnB wrote:I wonder if it's the one seen in an episode of Airwolf?
IIRC, and it's been a long time, I thought the H-19 had similar Windows to the helicamper.

Image

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:40 pm

JohnB wrote:I wonder if it's the one seen in an episode of Airwolf?
IIRC, and it's been a long time, I thought the H-19 had similar Windows to the helicamper.


John,

That was N91AS, modified as a S-55T by Aviation Specialties. Supposedly ex US Army, H-19D, 52-7618 (C/N 55646). I believe I've seen a picture of it derelict in Africa. A lot of civil S-55's were modified with additional windows in the fuselage and cargo door.

Yep! Here it is: https://www.flickr.com/photos/61758703@N07/17115604360

Re: Airworthy H-19 at Oshkosh in 1989

Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:54 pm

Craig, I'm impressed...
Sadly, the series didn't use many old types.
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